perennial

Little Rev Flax Lily, Blue Flax-Lily, Dwarf Flax Lily

Dianella revoluta 'Little Rev'

The Story

Plant Bio

Dianella revoluta, commonly known as the blueberry lily or blue flax-lily, is a tufted evergreen perennial native to dry forests and open woodlands across mainland Australia and Tasmania. The species spreads via short underground rhizomes to form dense clumps of narrow, leathery leaves with distinctly rolled margins.

'Little Rev' is a compact horticultural selection distinguished by its strictly upright, architectural, fan-like growth habit that reaches only 30 to 40 centimetres in height. The foliage exhibits a pronounced blue-grey to blue-green coloration, which remains vibrant throughout the year under proper drainage conditions.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesProvides a highly structured, blue-grey architectural accent with upright, fan-like foliage and delicate purple-blue flowers.
Practical UsesHighly drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for low-water landscapes, coastal zones, and erosion control on slopes.
Ecological BenefitsSupports native bees and beneficial insects, while the dense foliage provides cover for small insectivorous or seed-eating birds.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

14 inches

Width

14 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Low

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Australia

Toxicity

Berries are mildly toxic if ingested

Bloom period

Mid spring – Late spring

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Select a planting site in full sun to moderate shade with free-draining soil.
  2. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball but of equal depth, ensuring the plant sits slightly elevated.
  3. Backfill with native soil, firming gently around the root ball without burying the crown.
  4. Water thoroughly to settle the soil, then apply a thin layer of coarse mulch, keeping it clear of the foliage base.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting this cultivar in low-lying garden depressions or burying the crown beneath soil or mulch, as trapped moisture at the base rapidly triggers fatal root rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Plant in raised beds or sloped landscapes to guarantee excellent drainage.
  • Prune the foliage back hard to one-third of its height every three to five years to rejuvenate growth.
  • Use standard native-plant low-phosphorus or balanced slow-release fertilisers if feeding is required.

Don't

  • Do not plant the crown below the soil or mulch line.
  • Do not overwater or allow the plant to sit in waterlogged depressions.
  • Do not prune heavily on an annual basis, as this stresses the plant.

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Pest Check
Plant
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Mass PlantingBorder EdgingRock GardenCoastal GardenArchitectural Foliage

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Little Rev Flax Lily, Blue Flax-Lily, Dwarf Flax Lily questions

What zones can Little Rev Flax Lily, Blue Flax-Lily, Dwarf Flax Lily grow in?

Little Rev Flax Lily, Blue Flax-Lily, Dwarf Flax Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

When does Little Rev Flax Lily, Blue Flax-Lily, Dwarf Flax Lily bloom?

Little Rev Flax Lily, Blue Flax-Lily, Dwarf Flax Lily typically blooms in mid spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Little Rev Flax Lily, Blue Flax-Lily, Dwarf Flax Lily need full sun?

Little Rev Flax Lily, Blue Flax-Lily, Dwarf Flax Lily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Little Rev Flax Lily, Blue Flax-Lily, Dwarf Flax Lily drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Little Rev Flax Lily, Blue Flax-Lily, Dwarf Flax Lily handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.

Keep exploring

Explore the genus

Hardy in your zone?

Grow Little Rev Flax Lily, Blue Flax-Lily, Dwarf Flax Lily with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.